CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The hottest weather of the year will scorch the Carolinas through the Fourth of July weekend with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s and a heat index making it feel hotter than 100 degrees.
The WCNC Weather Impact Team wants the Charlotte area to stay Weather Aware through the holiday weekend due to the excessive heat and humidity that will make it dangerous to be outdoors for extended periods.
When
Thursday, July 4 - Saturday, July 6 from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. each day.
Forecast
The Fourth of July will see high temperatures in the mid-90s and the heat index will make it feel as hot as 103 degrees. Meteorologist Chris Mulcahy says Friday will be even hotter on Friday with a forecast high of 99 degrees and a heat index making it feel up to 105 degrees through late afternoon. Lows will be in the mid-70s overnight.
A heat advisory is in effect for Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Chester, Chesterfield, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Lancaster, Richmond, Rowan, Stanly, Union and York counties through 8 p.m. on Friday, July 5.
There is a slight chance of scattered downpours on July Fourth, which could delay some fireworks shows, depending on the timing.
Friday might have an isolated thunderstorm, but it's really Saturday through Monday that the chance for storms increases to scattered or likely, depending on where you're looking.
How to stay safe
When temperatures get this high in the Carolinas, it's important to stay Weather Aware by:
- Don't cancel plans, but have alternate indoor plans in case a thunderstorm strikes
- Have a place to seek shelter as storms develop
- Limiting your time outside
- Staying hydrated
- Seeking shade when available
- Checking on the elderly and pets
WCNC Charlotte’s Weather IQ YouTube channel gives detailed explainers from the WCNC Weather Impact Team meteorologists to help you learn and understand weather, climate and science. Watch previous stories where you can raise your Weather IQ in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.